i just got my 84 T/A 305 4bbl....any tips or suggestions on what i should do performance wise? i know it needs some engine work...cleaning, leaks, and other checks.....how should i go about doing some stuff? how far should i go? any help would be great....thanks

 

Get a chiltons total car care manual. Don't repair anything that doesn't need repairing. Just start with whatever you think is the largest problem and work to the easiest small things. You can also do small things while you're waiting on parts, or for paint to dry, etc

 

I'd do a complete ignition system overhaul (plugs, wires, rotor, cap, coil, ign. module). Most of the smog stuff on 17 yr old cars has failed by now. Depending on what failed and your local emmissions laws (inspection) you can replace it or remove it.
If it's a project car you can start tearing apart the carb and rebuilding it. Chances are it's globbed up, if you don't have time/resources to rebuild it the next best thing is external carb cleaner and the stuff you put in your gas tank for the internals. Seek out any rust and DESTROY now. For the floor pans you can use POR-15 but if there is rust on the body panels you're going to have to do some body work and touch ups. Make sure to do a coolant flush, oil change, tranny fluid change (both auto and manual), differential lube change. It's a good idea to now start fixing fluid leaks. Now it's up to you what to change, the brakes will likely to need be redone, a front end linkage rebuild, new bushings all the way around, then shocks and springs and you should be pretty much good to go. It may need weatherstripping also.

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1984 WS6 Trans Am Hartop
Former L69 Car under restoration
1984 Trans Am T-tops
4-bolt main 350, performer intake, headers, Holley 650, T-5, hayes clutch, dual elec. fans and 3.23's.
Daily driver and restoration
13.98 @ 101